Small, affordable, giftable, items common in USA, but not in France
October 13, 2014 5:17 PM Subscribe
I will be leaving to France in exactly two weeks to visit my large extended family and I would like to bring gifts but can't really afford to spend big bucks. Candy? Food?
Easy personalized ways to keep track of everything and say "thank-you" after the trip also appreciated.
And of course, a question regarding dollar to euro conversions.
I will be traveling France and would like to give family gifts from America. Everyone was super kind to me during my last visit, and I really appreciated it.
I have a large family (12 aunts, 4 uncles, 40+ cousins) and I am not sure I will be seeing all of them, but I would like to at least give my hosts something for their hospitality (11 people).
After the first trip I did not write a single letter or thank you card (misplaced addresses, difficulties writing in French, persistent depression/anxiety, procrastination, burying myself in work, feeling its just too late) and am feeling quite a bit of guilt for it.
I intend to use a large back-pack and I'm packing light, but am bringing a duffel bag that can fold flat in the bottom of my bag as back-up. I am planning on checking my backpack and using the duffel as my carry-on.
So far I am planning to bring:
+ My portable hard-drive with family photos
+ music to share with my cousins.
I would like to bring something more physical; something light to pack, that is hard or impossible to find in France, that would be something someone would actually be happy to receive. Candy? Food?
Just found this question regarding DIY gifts which is giving me ideas for additional things I could possibly make and bring...
Lastly, what is the best way to convert dollars to euros, my credit union does not do this. From what I can tell searching around old posts, the best way is via an ATM after arrival? I asked around a couple local banks, and they all have fees ranging from 10-20 dollars and only for members. I would like to have a couple hundred dollars worth of euros on-hand before I arrive.
I appreciate any help finding gifts, saying thank you, and converting my monies.
I will be traveling France and would like to give family gifts from America. Everyone was super kind to me during my last visit, and I really appreciated it.
I have a large family (12 aunts, 4 uncles, 40+ cousins) and I am not sure I will be seeing all of them, but I would like to at least give my hosts something for their hospitality (11 people).
After the first trip I did not write a single letter or thank you card (misplaced addresses, difficulties writing in French, persistent depression/anxiety, procrastination, burying myself in work, feeling its just too late) and am feeling quite a bit of guilt for it.
I intend to use a large back-pack and I'm packing light, but am bringing a duffel bag that can fold flat in the bottom of my bag as back-up. I am planning on checking my backpack and using the duffel as my carry-on.
So far I am planning to bring:
+ My portable hard-drive with family photos
+ music to share with my cousins.
I would like to bring something more physical; something light to pack, that is hard or impossible to find in France, that would be something someone would actually be happy to receive. Candy? Food?
Just found this question regarding DIY gifts which is giving me ideas for additional things I could possibly make and bring...
Lastly, what is the best way to convert dollars to euros, my credit union does not do this. From what I can tell searching around old posts, the best way is via an ATM after arrival? I asked around a couple local banks, and they all have fees ranging from 10-20 dollars and only for members. I would like to have a couple hundred dollars worth of euros on-hand before I arrive.
I appreciate any help finding gifts, saying thank you, and converting my monies.
My friend who lives there misses corn torillas, jalapeno peppers, chipotle, etc, and brings them back with her.
It's easiest to just go to the ATM and get money from it once you're there, but if that doesn't work I'd ask around for friends who have euros on hand -- you won't get a couple of hundred, but you can get fiftyish -- or go to a currency exchange place wherever you live. If you are desperate, there are currency exchange booths in most airports. They used to be overpriced, I am not sure if this is still the case.
posted by jeather at 5:32 PM on October 13, 2014
It's easiest to just go to the ATM and get money from it once you're there, but if that doesn't work I'd ask around for friends who have euros on hand -- you won't get a couple of hundred, but you can get fiftyish -- or go to a currency exchange place wherever you live. If you are desperate, there are currency exchange booths in most airports. They used to be overpriced, I am not sure if this is still the case.
posted by jeather at 5:32 PM on October 13, 2014
Best answer: Recently released American music in general is a good idea, because albums often get released later there. You might want to ask around about people's favorite bands, and see if any of them have released new albums lately.
Cigarettes, if anyone smokes. They use European tobacco (in the US we use American tobacco), which tastes different, they have somewhat different brands, and cigarettes are more expensive there. So some packs of a brand like American Spirit or, if any smoker relatives have been to the US, whatever American cigarettes they enjoyed while vacationing/staying here, are very portable presents that might be appreciated by the smokers. Get those at the duty free.
Burbon and very American kinds of liquor like that might be appreciated by any drinkers. Taster sets are especially nice because they're so small. You can get those at the duty free, too.
Younger cousins will probably like getting stuff like T-shirts or other tourist gear from your city/state/US. It's OK if it's kind of tacky, that's probably going to make it look more "American" to them. Last time I went I also brought Obama branded candy bars with Obama's picture plastered on them (got them in the duty free, too), and those were fun as a sort of joke-gift kind of thing.
For food, it sort of also depends on what region of the US you're coming from. If you're coming from the SW, for example, you might want to bring spices/sauces that are big in Mexican or TexMex food (which is very hard to get there), or even something that's Mexican or TexMex adjacent like some of those novelty hot sauces. If you want to go more general "American," two things that still seem to be kind of hard to get in France and that are very stereotypically American are Kraft Mac & Cheese and chocolate chip cookie mix.
If you want to have some Euros on hand as soon as you step into the country, you can change your dollars at the airport (at either end). There are kiosks, and their rates are relatively standard, probably more so than you'd expect considering they pretty much have a captive audience. The only downside with the kiosks is that they're usually only open during business hours or close to it, so the US kiosk might not be open by the time you get to the airport on this end. Don't worry too much, though, because you'll be able to catch one over at CDG.
posted by rue72 at 5:34 PM on October 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
Cigarettes, if anyone smokes. They use European tobacco (in the US we use American tobacco), which tastes different, they have somewhat different brands, and cigarettes are more expensive there. So some packs of a brand like American Spirit or, if any smoker relatives have been to the US, whatever American cigarettes they enjoyed while vacationing/staying here, are very portable presents that might be appreciated by the smokers. Get those at the duty free.
Burbon and very American kinds of liquor like that might be appreciated by any drinkers. Taster sets are especially nice because they're so small. You can get those at the duty free, too.
Younger cousins will probably like getting stuff like T-shirts or other tourist gear from your city/state/US. It's OK if it's kind of tacky, that's probably going to make it look more "American" to them. Last time I went I also brought Obama branded candy bars with Obama's picture plastered on them (got them in the duty free, too), and those were fun as a sort of joke-gift kind of thing.
For food, it sort of also depends on what region of the US you're coming from. If you're coming from the SW, for example, you might want to bring spices/sauces that are big in Mexican or TexMex food (which is very hard to get there), or even something that's Mexican or TexMex adjacent like some of those novelty hot sauces. If you want to go more general "American," two things that still seem to be kind of hard to get in France and that are very stereotypically American are Kraft Mac & Cheese and chocolate chip cookie mix.
If you want to have some Euros on hand as soon as you step into the country, you can change your dollars at the airport (at either end). There are kiosks, and their rates are relatively standard, probably more so than you'd expect considering they pretty much have a captive audience. The only downside with the kiosks is that they're usually only open during business hours or close to it, so the US kiosk might not be open by the time you get to the airport on this end. Don't worry too much, though, because you'll be able to catch one over at CDG.
posted by rue72 at 5:34 PM on October 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
Honestly, I never bother getting Euros before going to France (which I've done about 6 times in the last 12 years). There are ATMs in CDG to use, so easy enough, but if you must have money before you get there, you can use the change kiosk. Make sure to do it at your departure airport, though, as I don't think I've ever seen one open in a French airport. They're there, just... not open. Vive la France! Also, you're probably not looking for a new credit card, but if you are, some have no fee for foreign transactions. Capital One, for example.
posted by The Michael The at 5:39 PM on October 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by The Michael The at 5:39 PM on October 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
For cash, get your Euros from an ATM as soon as you arrive. I usually find an ATM in the airport. Make sure your credit union knows you're travelling and double check that your card will work overseas (almost all of them do now-a-days). You can also bring dollars to exchange at the kiosks.
As for gifts, is there anything specific to your region that you could bring? A local candy or jam? I like bringing edibles instead of more tchotchke garbage to clutter up someone's home.
posted by quince at 5:39 PM on October 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
As for gifts, is there anything specific to your region that you could bring? A local candy or jam? I like bringing edibles instead of more tchotchke garbage to clutter up someone's home.
posted by quince at 5:39 PM on October 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
Ask them what they want, if you are unsure. When we lived abroad, people would bring us food from the US that we did not want/eat. And most things that they brought we could buy in a supermarket anyway.
And I personally wouldn't bring music - they can download it with little problem.
One thing that did spring to mind is putting together mini Halloween bags for kids, with some American candy - but I know a lot of parents are particular about their kids and candy, so use your judgement.
Your gift is a gesture: It can be just a nice to buy a big bouquet of flowers when in the country and give to them.
posted by troytroy at 5:47 PM on October 13, 2014
And I personally wouldn't bring music - they can download it with little problem.
One thing that did spring to mind is putting together mini Halloween bags for kids, with some American candy - but I know a lot of parents are particular about their kids and candy, so use your judgement.
Your gift is a gesture: It can be just a nice to buy a big bouquet of flowers when in the country and give to them.
posted by troytroy at 5:47 PM on October 13, 2014
How about simple framed photos (or un-framed nice photos, if the travel size is a problem) of the American part of the family?
posted by amtho at 5:50 PM on October 13, 2014
posted by amtho at 5:50 PM on October 13, 2014
Little bottles of maple syrup! Or maple candy.
posted by showbiz_liz at 5:53 PM on October 13, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by showbiz_liz at 5:53 PM on October 13, 2014 [4 favorites]
Bank of America and BNP Paribas have a relationship so that taking $$ from a BNP atm costs nothing w a BofA card. I bet other large banks have this. Or, open a small checking account w BofA. (BNP Paribas ATMs are EVERYWHERE in France.)
posted by atomicstone at 5:56 PM on October 13, 2014
posted by atomicstone at 5:56 PM on October 13, 2014
Best answer: If you felt comfortable doing it (depending on your family and your cooking skills,) you can offer to make something typically American once there-- buttermilk pancakes, a batch of chocolate chip cookies. If you wanted to make it more personal, you could bring a bag of fancy chocolate chips or small tin of real maple syrup to accompany them though all/most of the ingredients would be available. It used to be fairly difficult to get proper vanilla extract in Europe though the advent of online shopping has made that easier. Maybe your parents have had success with a particular item in the past?
I would second printed copies of family pictures, and bringing flowers/pastries once you get there. I used to get DC silhouette cards for thank you notes, and I think I also used fancier postcards a couple of times-- easy to carry, and easy to write while you're there!
I just use extra euros bought from friends/family and then used ATMs once in Paris. You could probably bring several hundred dollars in cash and transfer it to euros at an American airport before you land, though I don't know that it would be more advantageous. If you have the ability to get cash through multiple cards, bring them just in case there is a problem (and notify the bank that you'll be abroad first!) Is there a reason you want a couple hundred of euros going in?
posted by jetlagaddict at 6:03 PM on October 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
I would second printed copies of family pictures, and bringing flowers/pastries once you get there. I used to get DC silhouette cards for thank you notes, and I think I also used fancier postcards a couple of times-- easy to carry, and easy to write while you're there!
I just use extra euros bought from friends/family and then used ATMs once in Paris. You could probably bring several hundred dollars in cash and transfer it to euros at an American airport before you land, though I don't know that it would be more advantageous. If you have the ability to get cash through multiple cards, bring them just in case there is a problem (and notify the bank that you'll be abroad first!) Is there a reason you want a couple hundred of euros going in?
posted by jetlagaddict at 6:03 PM on October 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
Best answer: What about measuring cups / spoons? It is probably annoying to find a recipe on a USA site that looks good, then have to go through a tedious conversion process to figure out what a cup of flour is in grams. If you gave them American measuring stuff, you would probably open up a whole new world of recipes for them.
You can get cheap and cheerful plastic measuring stuff at places like Target.
Actually, if you were feeling crafty, you could make up a conversion sheet using info like this and also throw in some pictures of the USA side of the family and maybe a few family recipes.
posted by selfmedicating at 6:09 PM on October 13, 2014 [6 favorites]
You can get cheap and cheerful plastic measuring stuff at places like Target.
Actually, if you were feeling crafty, you could make up a conversion sheet using info like this and also throw in some pictures of the USA side of the family and maybe a few family recipes.
posted by selfmedicating at 6:09 PM on October 13, 2014 [6 favorites]
I'm planning on the same kind of trip but to Italy - I'm picking up silver charms (like for bracelets) of my state, jars of a hot fudge sauce created here (Sanders), and ---absolutely no idea of stuff for the younger set. One place to check in to is your local police or fire dept to see if they have jacket patches which I've understood to be liked by both young boys and the local police. I do love the idea of the U.S. measuring spoons, by self medicating above. I'll mind this posting as I know that the best ideas will come up here!
posted by Lornalulu at 6:55 PM on October 13, 2014
posted by Lornalulu at 6:55 PM on October 13, 2014
If there are children, maybe stickers or small toys of characters from American shows/books? It's harder now that so much is online, but if avoid the Disney stuff, there are probably many cute things they can't get over there.
I used to be fascinated by pictures of characters I didn't know from foreign-language cartoons when I was a kid. I would try to guess who they were from just looking at them, and it was a fun mystery.
posted by emjaybee at 7:00 PM on October 13, 2014
I used to be fascinated by pictures of characters I didn't know from foreign-language cartoons when I was a kid. I would try to guess who they were from just looking at them, and it was a fun mystery.
posted by emjaybee at 7:00 PM on October 13, 2014
Best answer: When I visited France a few years ago and saw friends and in-laws, I brought mostly "made in Seattle" stuff. This is because I was living in Seattle, but the bonus was that people were generally really impressed that the things I brought (Theo chocolate, Victrola coffee) were made by small, local companies (not surprisingly, many French people are really into artisanal stuff!). The Theo chocolate was especially a huge hit, because it is delicious and the wrappers are beautiful. I see from your profile you're in Eastern WA, so you may be able to find it near you as well.
The other category of things I brought were crafts from a trip I had recently taken to Mexico. These also went over very well. So maybe small local crafts?
posted by lunasol at 7:31 PM on October 13, 2014
The other category of things I brought were crafts from a trip I had recently taken to Mexico. These also went over very well. So maybe small local crafts?
posted by lunasol at 7:31 PM on October 13, 2014
Best answer: You really want advice from someone who lives in France here. I don't want to tear apart the above suggestions but with the exception of very local goods (like chocolate or coffee), they are almost uniformly... not up to date. All of the mass market things mentioned are available in France. Bourbon is available, volume measuring cups are available, maple syrup is available, etc.
IMHO the best gifts to bring from the US are candy related. Candy corn, Pop Rocks, Big Red gum, Tootsie Rolls, mixed Life Savers, Charms and Nerds are all things we can't buy in the UK or Ireland and I am pretty sure you can't get in France (because I buy them from a US importer in France, catering specifically to expats.) All come in little packets and are easily brought with you. Also, the little bottles of novelty hot sauce are a great idea!
posted by DarlingBri at 7:40 PM on October 13, 2014 [4 favorites]
IMHO the best gifts to bring from the US are candy related. Candy corn, Pop Rocks, Big Red gum, Tootsie Rolls, mixed Life Savers, Charms and Nerds are all things we can't buy in the UK or Ireland and I am pretty sure you can't get in France (because I buy them from a US importer in France, catering specifically to expats.) All come in little packets and are easily brought with you. Also, the little bottles of novelty hot sauce are a great idea!
posted by DarlingBri at 7:40 PM on October 13, 2014 [4 favorites]
Peanut butter & root beer.
posted by blue_beetle at 7:44 PM on October 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by blue_beetle at 7:44 PM on October 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Second on the maple syrup/sugar or maple related products- I've found those always go over well with family and friends from other countries (heck, even folks from non-northern states!) not because you can't get them abroad, but because they're expensive and different and not stuff non-Americans would buy without specific cause.
Also suggest:
Pumpkin or apple butters, pancake mix, fancy peanuts or pecans, Necco wafers, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Bit-o-honeys or Mary Janes, sorghum syrup, pickle sunflower seeds, nice beef jerky, salt water taffy, fudge, local cheeses, local fancy soaps and bathgoods, and bourbon or liquor from a regional distillery. (Actually, I think this is just a list of all the stuff I like!)
Check your farmers market for these kinds of things. Basically, foodstuffs that are indigenous or have associations to North America, and even more specially, to your region, have, in my experience, made a welcome and unique present to anyone from outside the country.
posted by Queen of Spreadable Fats at 7:55 PM on October 13, 2014 [2 favorites]
Also suggest:
Pumpkin or apple butters, pancake mix, fancy peanuts or pecans, Necco wafers, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Bit-o-honeys or Mary Janes, sorghum syrup, pickle sunflower seeds, nice beef jerky, salt water taffy, fudge, local cheeses, local fancy soaps and bathgoods, and bourbon or liquor from a regional distillery. (Actually, I think this is just a list of all the stuff I like!)
Check your farmers market for these kinds of things. Basically, foodstuffs that are indigenous or have associations to North America, and even more specially, to your region, have, in my experience, made a welcome and unique present to anyone from outside the country.
posted by Queen of Spreadable Fats at 7:55 PM on October 13, 2014 [2 favorites]
Sriracha is available in Paris, otherwise I would suggest that. Old vinyl records from the 1970s might appeal to some people. Adams all-natural peanut butter. I don't remember, but do they have Reese's peanut butter cups? Those little Kraft cheese and crackers. A leatherman micra. Really good root beer. Post cards from Wall Drug. Native American stuff?
posted by mecran01 at 8:13 PM on October 13, 2014
posted by mecran01 at 8:13 PM on October 13, 2014
This is super obvious, but...have you asked them what they would like? Has the family you're buying gifts for ever visited the U.S.?
I know it's not the same place, but I took a trip to London (my first!) just last month and also had no idea what to bring; complicating the matter was the fact that I was staying with friends of my boyfriend whom I didn't know. Fortunately, my hosts (who had no suggestions or requests) had visited the U.S. the year before and my boyfriend remembered that one of them had become obsessed with Cheetos. I picked up a bunch of American snack foods that I thought or heard would not be common and they went over really, really well.
If there's anything they would remember fondly, that would be best. For my host it was the classic puffy Cheetos. I also brought Flaming Hot crunchy Cheetos, Sun Chips (a different British friend really liked them--I guess the salty-sweet combo wasn't that common), mini Reese's peanut butter cups, and Double-Stuf Oreos (which were a huge hit and got polished off in about two days). They loved it all and it survived the trip (in checked baggage, no less) very well. In past (domestic) trips, local small brewery/distillery beer or liquor has been very well received; my boyfriend usually brings bourbon to his family when he visits the U.K.
You didn't ask this, but: I don't know if you're planning to shop in France and bring lots of things back, as I was. If you are, here's something I did which worked well: I was allowed to check one bag for free, and have one carry-on bag and one personal item. My carry-on size suitcase fit completely inside a checked-size suitcase. So what I did was pack pretty light and fit it all inside the carry-on and the backpack. I put the carry-on inside the checked suitcase and was able to check a single bag on the way there. My backpack then served as my only carry-on item. On the way back, I separated the carry-on and checked bags and was able to fill both with new purchases (unloading the gifts also gives you extra room!). So I had one checked bag, one carry-on, and I unloaded most things from my backpack into one of the other bags, making it small enough to be a personal item.
Other gift ideas: group gifting is possible. I brought a box of luxury locally-made chocolates which got brought out in a group setting and they really liked them--the fancy wrapping as much as the chocolate itself. Can you cook? Can you offer to make a group meal one night? Or bring a movie or board game you can all watch or play together? Do you sing or play music? Can you play them a song?
My boyfriend's mother (British) is a potter, so I brought a piece of Native American pottery, combining America + her existing interests. On the other end, I brought back my dad (American) a packet of British stamps, because he likes stamps (combining the U.K. + his existing interests). Can that apply to your family at all?
I'll let other people handle the money thing--I'm not sure I used the very best practice myself. :/
posted by spelunkingplato at 8:40 PM on October 13, 2014
I know it's not the same place, but I took a trip to London (my first!) just last month and also had no idea what to bring; complicating the matter was the fact that I was staying with friends of my boyfriend whom I didn't know. Fortunately, my hosts (who had no suggestions or requests) had visited the U.S. the year before and my boyfriend remembered that one of them had become obsessed with Cheetos. I picked up a bunch of American snack foods that I thought or heard would not be common and they went over really, really well.
If there's anything they would remember fondly, that would be best. For my host it was the classic puffy Cheetos. I also brought Flaming Hot crunchy Cheetos, Sun Chips (a different British friend really liked them--I guess the salty-sweet combo wasn't that common), mini Reese's peanut butter cups, and Double-Stuf Oreos (which were a huge hit and got polished off in about two days). They loved it all and it survived the trip (in checked baggage, no less) very well. In past (domestic) trips, local small brewery/distillery beer or liquor has been very well received; my boyfriend usually brings bourbon to his family when he visits the U.K.
You didn't ask this, but: I don't know if you're planning to shop in France and bring lots of things back, as I was. If you are, here's something I did which worked well: I was allowed to check one bag for free, and have one carry-on bag and one personal item. My carry-on size suitcase fit completely inside a checked-size suitcase. So what I did was pack pretty light and fit it all inside the carry-on and the backpack. I put the carry-on inside the checked suitcase and was able to check a single bag on the way there. My backpack then served as my only carry-on item. On the way back, I separated the carry-on and checked bags and was able to fill both with new purchases (unloading the gifts also gives you extra room!). So I had one checked bag, one carry-on, and I unloaded most things from my backpack into one of the other bags, making it small enough to be a personal item.
Other gift ideas: group gifting is possible. I brought a box of luxury locally-made chocolates which got brought out in a group setting and they really liked them--the fancy wrapping as much as the chocolate itself. Can you cook? Can you offer to make a group meal one night? Or bring a movie or board game you can all watch or play together? Do you sing or play music? Can you play them a song?
My boyfriend's mother (British) is a potter, so I brought a piece of Native American pottery, combining America + her existing interests. On the other end, I brought back my dad (American) a packet of British stamps, because he likes stamps (combining the U.K. + his existing interests). Can that apply to your family at all?
I'll let other people handle the money thing--I'm not sure I used the very best practice myself. :/
posted by spelunkingplato at 8:40 PM on October 13, 2014
Response by poster: Wow, thanks guys so many great answers! Now I just need to narrow it down to what would best fit my budget...
The measuring cups / spoons is a great idea! I can even put together a little American recipe book to go with it! I'm sure most of my family likes to cook.
Definitely going to pick up some small boxes from the local chocolate shop. I have quite a few pints of my home canned jam and pickled jalapeno's left, hadn't even thought to share them with family! I like the idea of making vanilla extract...
I will likely end up using an ATM, I am mostly wanting euros in advance because I do not handle sleep deprivation well and would like to have enough to hold me over for the first 3-4 days so I don't have to be worrying about money when I am super jet-lagged. I also just tend to budget better when I have cash.
Need to head to bed, but am loving these ideas and already have a good idea for what to pack! Thank you everyone!
posted by lovecricket at 8:47 PM on October 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
The measuring cups / spoons is a great idea! I can even put together a little American recipe book to go with it! I'm sure most of my family likes to cook.
Definitely going to pick up some small boxes from the local chocolate shop. I have quite a few pints of my home canned jam and pickled jalapeno's left, hadn't even thought to share them with family! I like the idea of making vanilla extract...
I will likely end up using an ATM, I am mostly wanting euros in advance because I do not handle sleep deprivation well and would like to have enough to hold me over for the first 3-4 days so I don't have to be worrying about money when I am super jet-lagged. I also just tend to budget better when I have cash.
Need to head to bed, but am loving these ideas and already have a good idea for what to pack! Thank you everyone!
posted by lovecricket at 8:47 PM on October 13, 2014 [1 favorite]
I ran into a man in the grocery store just two day ago buying all of the Constant Comment Decaf Tea Bags, and I asked if they were on sale or something and why was he buying all of the tea!? He said he was leaving for Europe and his Sister couldn't get her favorite Tea Bags over there. Tea would make a nice small gift, but the box would probably get crushed in transit-- but I wanted to mention it because he specifically said "she can't get 'this' there".
posted by goml at 8:59 PM on October 13, 2014
posted by goml at 8:59 PM on October 13, 2014
Little bottles of maple syrup!
Or maple butter, which is much more rare than maple syrup.
posted by sebastienbailard at 9:05 PM on October 13, 2014
Or maple butter, which is much more rare than maple syrup.
posted by sebastienbailard at 9:05 PM on October 13, 2014
This question has come up a few times and I think Americans underestimate how much availability there is now of most items in Europe. This is a recent change - say the past 10 years or so - so many former expats may not even be aware of it.
The general rule is that if you can find it nationally in the US then you can find it fairly easily in Europe. American candy has arrived here in the UK at local supermarkets. I can get a range of Canadian maple syrups at Waitrose. I keep my Woodford Reserve bourbon stocked up using the local liquor store in my small English village. Every supermarket has a section for Mexican products...etc. (In fact there's been a wave of new interest in Mexican food across Europe and actual tortillerias have sprung up in Paris!)
So whats left? A lot, actually. Local stuff from small producers. Local liquor, syrups, jams, candy, crafts or your own homemade stuff.
posted by vacapinta at 4:22 AM on October 14, 2014 [2 favorites]
The general rule is that if you can find it nationally in the US then you can find it fairly easily in Europe. American candy has arrived here in the UK at local supermarkets. I can get a range of Canadian maple syrups at Waitrose. I keep my Woodford Reserve bourbon stocked up using the local liquor store in my small English village. Every supermarket has a section for Mexican products...etc. (In fact there's been a wave of new interest in Mexican food across Europe and actual tortillerias have sprung up in Paris!)
So whats left? A lot, actually. Local stuff from small producers. Local liquor, syrups, jams, candy, crafts or your own homemade stuff.
posted by vacapinta at 4:22 AM on October 14, 2014 [2 favorites]
My suggestion would be local candy, one box per household.
posted by drlith at 5:00 AM on October 14, 2014
posted by drlith at 5:00 AM on October 14, 2014
Call your local American Express office, they frequently have foreign currency available for purchase, or the ForEx at the airport. You will pay through the nose for these, but if it makes you feel better to have Euros in hand before you disembark, more power.
Also, put out a thing on Facebook, "I'll buy your Euros." You'll be amazed at how much loose cash people have at the end of trips. I know my Mom has a shit-ton of foreign money. She likes to travel.
If you plan on doing cigarettes and liquor (and why not?) get them at the Duty Free store in the airport. That way you won't have to deal with packing and checking and you'll save on taxes. I'd get American wines. Show off our local product, and you know that they'll be consumed and enjoyed at some point.
For kids, American comic books. Just like American kids like Tin-Tin. I'd skip candy only because Eruopean candy and food is SO MUCH BETTER than American, especially chocolates.
I wouldn't advise bringing chocolates, even gorgeous ones, only because they might be punctured to insure they aren't full of heroin or something.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 6:39 AM on October 14, 2014
Also, put out a thing on Facebook, "I'll buy your Euros." You'll be amazed at how much loose cash people have at the end of trips. I know my Mom has a shit-ton of foreign money. She likes to travel.
If you plan on doing cigarettes and liquor (and why not?) get them at the Duty Free store in the airport. That way you won't have to deal with packing and checking and you'll save on taxes. I'd get American wines. Show off our local product, and you know that they'll be consumed and enjoyed at some point.
For kids, American comic books. Just like American kids like Tin-Tin. I'd skip candy only because Eruopean candy and food is SO MUCH BETTER than American, especially chocolates.
I wouldn't advise bringing chocolates, even gorgeous ones, only because they might be punctured to insure they aren't full of heroin or something.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 6:39 AM on October 14, 2014
Peanut butter & root beer.
Noooo. I love root beer but non-Americans seem to almost universally think it tastes absolutely disgusting.
posted by showbiz_liz at 6:43 AM on October 14, 2014
Noooo. I love root beer but non-Americans seem to almost universally think it tastes absolutely disgusting.
posted by showbiz_liz at 6:43 AM on October 14, 2014
This thread is closed to new comments.
It has been a decade since I traveled to France, but ATMs were the easiest way to get Euros while I was there, and the exchange rate was very reasonable. Things may have changed, however.
posted by jingzuo at 5:23 PM on October 13, 2014